They formed back in 2009, but it is during the past couple of years that Dry Connections have effectively become a familiar name on the local music scene.

This was the result of various gigs around the island, but largely also thanks to the release of debut single Right From the Start, featuring then-vocalist Steve Farrugia, which not only topped several local radio charts but also earned the band a Best Upcoming Artist award at the 2011 Malta Music Awards.

When Farrugia quit the band last year, its momentum faltered, at least on the public front, as back in their rehearsal room it was very much business as usual as the remaining members kept working on new material. But they still needed to find a suitable vocalist who would fit the band’s sound and direction.

Following several unsuccessful auditions, and just as the band was about to throw in the towel, singer Lello Ebejer was approached. Not a newcomer by any means, Ebejer has performed at both Rockestra and Voices in the past, and his voice seemed to be exactly what Dry Connections were looking for. Once he was on board, the band picked up its pace again, recording new single Reach Out and producing an accompanying music video, both of which were released earlier this month.

Featuring guest musician Neville Pons on keyboards, the new single – recorded at Railway Studios – consolidates the band’s mainstream rock inclinations, its soaring chorus referencing those same elements that one finds in the canon of the band’s declared musical influences, namely U2, Biffy Clyro and Kings of Leon, among others.

Dry Connections is Lello Ebejer (vocals), Mark Pelli (guitar), Bruce Busuttil (guitar), Fred Bugeja (bass) and Franklin Farrugia (drums).

www.facebook.com/dconnections